Seminars and Symposia
Keep abreast of medical developments and other events View All
Breast Clinic
Breast Cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women, but in many cases, this can be successfully treated if detected early. Thus, early detection is your best protection against breast cancer.
At Makati Medical Center, our Breast Clinic makes such early detection possible for you. We offer comprehensive diagnostic modalities such as mammography and sonomammography that can help detect the early stages of breast cancer.
With mammography, we use a safe low-dose radiography to create images of the inside of your breast. We can detect abnormalities even before breast cancer becomes symptomatic. We use sonomammography to help determine if the mass is solid or cystic and evaluate the lesion. We also make use of interventional procedures such as needle-wire localization biopsy, percutaneous core needle biopsy, fine-needle aspiration biopsy / cyst aspiration and galactosopy, both to diagnose or treat malignant or non-malignant growths.
We are, in fact, the only facility in the Philippines that can conduct both mammography and sonomammography.
- What is the importance of early detection for me?
- How can I detect cancer at its early stages?
- What is my risk of getting breast cancer?
- Who are those women at great risk of having breast cancer?
- What do physicians recommend for early detection of breast cancer?
- What are the warning signs of breast cancer?
- Do I really need to have a mammogram even if I do breast self exam regularly?
- What's in it for me?
- Is there anything else I should do?
- Are mammograms painful?
- Is the radiation from my mammogram harmful?
- What is the best time to get my mammogram?
- Examining Your Own Breasts
Our Services:
- Screening and Diagnostic Mammogram
- Breast Ultrasound
- Electrical Impedance Study (TRANSCAN)
- Special procedures: Needle wire localization (Mammo / Ultrasound / Opdima guided)
- Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Core Biopsy
- Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
- Galactography/ Ductography
We can boast of having some of the most comprehensive breast imaging facilities in the country, with:
- Two mammography x-ray systems units
- Ultrasounds
- OPDIMA
- Electrical Transpectral Impedance Machine (TRANSCAN)
At our Breast Clinic, however, we go beyond providing you with competent care. You will find that we go out of our way to provide you with the most convenient treatment. An all female staff, for instance, handles your diagnostic needs with utmost privacy and care.
Our medical examinations can be customized to individual patients, and procedures are closely monitored by our experienced doctors.
Our Location
- 5th floor, Main Building
- Telephone: +632 8888 999 locals 7395 or 7379
- Clinic hours: Monday to Friday 8am-5pm,
- Saturday 8am-12nn
Some FAQs about Breast Cancer
What is the importance of early detection for me?
Women themselves can now detect if they have breast cancer, that is, when they notice a lump in their breasts.
But the benefits of detecting breast cancer in its initial stage give better chances to preventing the disease. There is a lesser chance of spreading cancer cells to the other organs of your body such as the liver, heart, lungs, bones, and brain.
How can I detect cancer at its early stages?
Regular mammograms and physical examination of your breast are important for early detection of cancer.
What is my risk of getting breast cancer?
Compared to the western countries, Asian women have lower rates of acquiring breast cancer, but recent studies show an uptrend.
In the United States, one out of every 10 women will develop breast cancer. But over 90% of these women can be successfully treated if the cancer is detected early.
Who are those women at great risk of having breast cancer?
The risk is very high especially if one of your family members or relatives has breast cancer. If you are childless, or gave birth for the first time after age 30, or began menstruation at an early age, you may want to start having mammograms before 40.
What do physicians recommend for early detection of breast cancer?
The following are the guidelines for women without symptoms of breast cancer:
- Even at an early age of 20, you should begin your monthly breast self exam.
- Starting at 20-39, you should ask your doctor for a clinical exam every three years,
- Upon reaching 40, you should have annual mammograms.
What are the warning signs of breast cancer?
The following symptoms are the warning signs that you may have developed breast cancer. Should you have these signs, consult your doctor immediately.
- Unusual, hard lumps in your breast which may be abnormal
- Yellowish discharge from your nipples
- Inversion of nipples
- Changes in the shape of your nipple as a result of the tightening of the breast
- Change of position of your nipples
- Abnormal change in the shape of your breasts.
Do I really need to have a mammogram even if I do breast self exam regularly?
Definitely yes. Mammogram can detect breast cancers even two years before they can be found by physical examination or appearance of other symptoms. And that's when cancer is most treatable.
By following the guidelines described above, you can get a critical head start on your treatment. And you may have more treatment options even avoiding the surgical removal of your breast.
What’s in it for me?
Some women are afraid to have a mammogram because they fear "something"� will be found. But keep in mind eight out of ten lumps found in the breast aren't cancerous.
Is there anything else I should do?
Yes. While mammograms can detect most lumps at an early stage, many lumps are first found by women themselves or by their doctors. That's why physical examinations and monthly self-examinations of your breasts are an important part of your total health program. If you detect any changes, contact your doctor immediately.
Are mammograms painful?
No, but you might experience some discomfort because the breast must be compressed to get a satisfactory image.
Is the radiation from my mammogram harmful?
No. Modern mammography units use much lower levels of radiation compared to the past.
What is the best time to get my mammogram?
For you not to feel great discomfort, schedule your mammogram when your breasts are less sensitive during or after your menstruation.
Examining Your Own Breasts
Breast Exam (BSE) is a procedure you can use to examine your own breasts for lumps or abnormalities. BSI is the crucial step for early detection of breast cancer.
Even before you begin, remember that if you do find a change, the chances of the change indicating cancer are small. The important thing is to contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Be sure to perform all three parts of the exam each month. The best times to do your exam are during the following:
- 7-10 days after the start of your menstrual cycle, when your breasts are less tender
- For post menopausal women, on the same day of each month
- For mothers who are breastfeeding, after nursing.
In front of your mirror
- Face the mirror with your arms on your sides, and look at your breasts for lumps, dimples, or other changes in appearance.
- Repeat the procedure with your arms raised over your head.
- Now, with your hands on your hips and chest muscles tensed, look for lumps or changes.
- Finally, gently squeeze each nipple and check for discharge.
While showering
- Put one hand behind your head
- Soap your other hand then press it firmly against your breast with your fingers held flat
- Make small circles from your nipple outward, feeling your entire breast and underarm area for lumps
- Do the same procedure to your other breast.
While lying down
- Lie on your back in a comfortable position
- Place a pillow under your left shoulder
- Examine your left breast with your right hand using the same procedure you used while showering
- Now, move the pillow to under your right shoulder and examine your right breast.
Health Topics
Reap the benefits of staying healthy. Increase your health knowledge—and your lifespan—with interesting articles on keeping fit, eating well, helping your loved ones heal from common ailments, dealing with pain, and much more.
Read More »Corporate News
Learn about innovations in patient care, new procedures in our departments, new equipment upgrades, new investments, and the countless other ways that we make our services exceptional.
Read More »
Centers of Excellence
Get the exceptional patient care you deserve in our multidisciplinary Centers of Excellence that are stocked with advanced equipment—and staffed by experienced specialists, caring nurses and outstanding staff.
Read More »International Services
Obtain safe, low-cost, world-class medical care as you take time off to savor the sights and sounds of an exotic tropical country with a strong tradition of healing—and a steady source of top-notch health care professionals..
Read More »